Method Of Generating Manipulated Images With Digital Camera

ABSTRACT

A method of generating manipulated images with a digital camera is provided in which objects within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an autofocus unit of the digital camera are detected by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the autofocus unit as an indicator of positions of said objects, and a manipulated image is generated by applying a digital image manipulating process of the processor to the detected objects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/831,237 filedApr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/112,750, filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No.6,727,948, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image processing method andapparatus and, in particular, discloses a process for utilisingautofocus information in a digital image camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. Thesecameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilizing acharge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on anelectronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer systemfor subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilizing acomputer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may beavailable to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.

Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of acaptured image and normally present the image in an orientation in whichis was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform anynecessary or required modifications of the captured image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method forenhanced processing of images captured by a digital camera utilisingautofocus settings.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of generating a manipulated output image by means of adigital camera, the method comprising the steps of:

capturing a focused image using an automatic focusing techniquegenerating focus settings;

generating a manipulated output image by applying a digital imagemanipulating process to the focused image, the digital imagemanipulating process utilizing the focus settings.

Preferably the focus settings include a current position of a zoom motorof the digital camera.

In a preferred embodiment the digital image manipulating processincludes a step of locating an object within the focused image utilizingthe focus settings.

The method may include the step of printing out the manipulated image bymeans of a printing mechanism incorporated into the digital camera.

It is preferred that the digital image manipulating process selectivelyapplies techniques to the focused image on the basis of the focussettings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the method of the preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the ARTCAM type camera.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitableprogramming of a hand held camera device such as that described in theconcurrently filed application, Applicant's reference ART01, U.S. Ser.No. 09/113,060 entitled “A Digital Camera with Image ProcessingCapability” filed concurrently herewith by the present applicant thecontent of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross referenceand the details of which, and other related applications are set out inthe tables below. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram thereof.

The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system,hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images canbe directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit such asillustrated in FIG. 2. Further, the aforementioned specificationdiscloses means and methods for performing various manipulations onimages captured by the camera sensing device 30 leading to theproduction of various effects in any output image 40. The manipulationsare disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implementedthrough the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereonvarious instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards 9hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significantonboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) 32which is interconnected to a memory device 34 for the storage ofimportant data and images.

In the preferred embodiment, autofocus is achieved by processing of aCCD data stream to ensure maximum contrast. Techniques for determining afocus position based on a CCD data stream are known. For example,reference is made to “The Encyclopedia of Photography” editors LeslieStroebel and Richard Zakia, published 1993 by Butterworth-Heinemann and“Applied Photographic Optics” by London & Boston, Focal Press, 1988.These techniques primarily rely on measurements of contrast betweenadjacent pixels over portions of an input image. The image is initiallyprocessed by the ACP in order to determine a correct autofocus setting.

This autofocus information is then utilized by the ACP 32 in certainmodes, for example, when attempting to locate faces within the image, asa guide to the likely size of any face within the image, therebysimplifying the face location process.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example of the methodutilized to determine likely image characteristics for examination by aface detection algorithm 10.

Various images eg. 2, 3 and 4 are imaged by the camera device 28. As aby product of the operation of the auto-focusing the details of thefocusing settings of the autofocus unit 5 are stored by the ACP 32.Additionally, a current position of the zoom motor 38 is also utilizedas zoom setting 6. Both of these settings are determined by the ACP 32.Subsequently, the ACP 32 applies analysis techniques in heuristic system8 to the detected values before producing an output 29 having amagnitude corresponding to the likely depth location of objects ofinterest 21, 31 or 41 within the image 2, 3 or 4 respectively.

Next, the depth value is utilised in a face detection algorithm 10running on the ACP 31 in addition to the inputted sensed image 11 so asto locate objects within the image. A close output 29 corresponding to arange value 9 indicates a high probability of a portrait image, a mediumrange indicates a high probability of a group photograph and a furtherrange indicates a higher probability of a landscape image. Thisprobability information can be utilized as an aid for the face detectionalgorithm and also can be utilised for selecting between variousparameters when producing “painting” effects within the image orpainting the image with clip arts or the like, with different techniquesor clip arts being applied depending on the distance to an object.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention asshown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is,therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive.

The present invention is further best utilized in the Artcam device, thedetails of which are set out in the following paragraphs although it isnot restricted thereto.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Ofcourse many different devices could be used. However presently popularink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption.This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stemsfrom the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves therapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink.Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermalinkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, fromelectricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost.Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drivevoltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, eachpiezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on aseparate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the currentlimit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment tothe fabrication of pagewidth print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements ofin-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, lowcost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digitalphotography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The targetfeatures include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systemsdescribed below with differing levels of difficulty. Fortyfive differentinkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a widerange of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies formpart of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as setout in the table below.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digitalprinting systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras,through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercialprinting systems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print headis designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS postprocessing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallestprint head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip areaof 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus dataand control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection moldedplastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which canbe created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standardinjection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the waferto the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. Theprint head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automatedbonding.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applicationsfiled concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the referencebeing utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:

Docket No Reference Title IJ01US 6,227,652 Radiant Plunger Ink JetPrinter IJ02US 6,213,588 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US 6,213,589Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US 6,231,163 StackedElectrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ05US 6,247,795 Reverse Spring Lever InkJet Printer IJ06US 6,394,581 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US6,244,691 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US6,257,704 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US6,416,168 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer IJ10US 6,220,694 PulsedMagnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US 6,257,705 Two Plate Reverse FiringElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US 6,247,794 Linear Stepper ActuatorInk Jet Printer IJ13US 6,234,610 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet PrinterIJ14US 6,247,793 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet PrinterIJ15US 6,264,306 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet PrinterIJ16US 6,241,342 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ17US6,247,792 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink JetPrinter IJ18US 6,264,307 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink JetPrinter IJ19US 6,254,220 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US 6,234,611Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US 6,302,528 ThermalActuated Ink Jet Printer IJ22US 6,283,582 Iris Motion Ink Jet PrinterIJ23US 6,239,821 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet PrinterIJ24US 6,338,547 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet PrinterIJ25US 6,247,796 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US 6,557,977 ShapeMemory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US 6,390,603 Buckle Plate Ink JetPrinter IJ28US 6,362,843 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet PrinterIJ29US 6,293,653 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ30US6,312,107 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated CopperInk Jet Printer IJ31US 6,227,653 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink JetPrinter IJ32US 6,234,609 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink JetPrinter IJ33US 6,238,040 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jetprinter IJ34US 6,188,415 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuatorcomprising an external coiled spring IJ35US 6,227,654 Trough ContainerInk Jet Printer IJ36US 6,209,989 Dual Chamber Single Vertical ActuatorInk Jet IJ37US 6,247,791 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum ActuatorInk Jet IJ38US 6,336,710 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink JetIJ39US 6,217,153 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printingdevice IJ40US 6,416,167 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having aseries of thermal actuator units IJ41US 6,243,113 A thermally actuatedink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US 6,283,581Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ43US 6,247,790 InvertedRadial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US 6,260,953 Surface bendactuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US 6,267,469 CoilAcutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation ofindividual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristicsare largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an elevendimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix includeentries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table ofinkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all ofthe possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, manymillion configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical toelucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjettypes have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 toIJ45 above.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these fortyfiveexamples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more ofthe 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjetprint heads with characteristics superior to any currently availableinkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more ofthese examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below.The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In somecases, a print technology may be listed more than once in a table, whereit shares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers,Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers,Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging,Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrialprinting systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrixare set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) ActuatorMechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal Anelectrothermal heater heats the Large force generated High power CanonBubblejet bubble ink to above boiling point, Simple construction Inkcarrier limited to water 1979 Endo et al GB transferring significantheat to the No moving parts Low efficiency patent 2,007,162 aqueous ink.A bubble nucleates Fast operation High temperatures required Xeroxheater-in-pit and quickly forms, expelling the Small chip area requiredHigh mechanical stress 1990 Hawkins et al ink. for actuator Unusualmaterials required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 The efficiency of the processis Large drive transistors Hewlett-Packard low, with typically less thanCavitation causes actuator failure TIJ 1982 Vaught et 0.05% of theelectrical energy Kogation reduces bubble formation al U.S. Pat. No.4,490,728 being transformed into kinetic Large print heads are difficultto energy of the drop. fabricate Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystalsuch as Low power consumption Very large area required for Kyser et alU.S. Pat. No. lead lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is Many ink types can beactuator 3,946,398 electrically activated, and either used Difficult tointegrate with Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. expands, shears, or bends to applyFast operation electronics 3,683,212 pressure to the ink, ejectingdrops. High efficiency High voltage drive transistors 1973 Stemme U.S.Pat. No. required 3,747,120 Full pagewidth print heads Epson Stylusimpractical due to actuator size Tektronix Requires electrical poling inhigh IJ04 field strengths during manufacture Electro- An electric fieldis used to Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. SeikoEpson, Usui strictive activate electrostriction in relaxor Many inktypes can be 0.01%) et all JP 253401/96 materials such as lead lanthanumused Large area required for actuator due IJ04 zirconate titanate (PLZT)or lead Low thermal expansion to low strain magnesium niobate (PMN).Electric field strength Response speed is marginal (~10 μs) required(approx. 3.5 V/μm) High voltage drive transistors can be generatedrequired without difficulty Full pagewidth print heads Does not requireimpractical due to actuator size electrical poling Ferroelectric Anelectric field is used to induce Low power consumption Difficult tointegrate with IJ04 a phase transition between the Many ink types can beelectronics antiferroelectric (AFE) and used Unusual materials such asPLZSnT ferroelectric (FE) phase. Fast operation (<1 μs) are requiredPerovskite materials such as tin Relatively high Actuators require alarge area modified lead lanthanum longitudinal strain zirconatetitanate (PLZSnT) High efficiency exhibit large strains of up to 1%Electric field strength of associated with the AFE to FE around 3 V/μmcan be phase transition. readily provided Electrostatic Conductiveplates are separated Low power consumption Difficult to operateelectrostatic IJ02, IJ04 plates by a compressible or fluid Many inktypes can be devices in an aqueous environment dielectric (usually air).Upon used The electrostatic actuator will application of a voltage, theplates Fast operation normally need to be separated from attract eachother and displace the ink ink, causing drop ejection. The Very largearea required to achieve conductive plates may be in a high forces combor honeycomb structure, or High voltage drive transistors may stacked toincrease the surface be required area and therefore the force. Fullpagewidth print heads are not competitive due to actuator sizeElectrostatic A strong electric field is applied Low current consumptionHigh voltage required 1989 Saito et al, pull on ink to the ink,whereupon electrostatic Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due toU.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 attraction accelerates the ink air breakdown1989 Miura et al, towards the print medium. Required field strengthincreases as U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 the drop size decreases Tone-jetHigh voltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attractsdust Permanent An electromagnet directly attracts Low power consumptionComplex fabrication IJ07, IJ10 magnet a permanent magnet, displacingMany ink types can be Permanent magnetic material such electro- ink andcausing drop ejection. used as Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magneticRare earth magnets with a field Fast operation required. strength around1 Tesla can be High efficiency High local currents required used.Examples are: Samarium Easy extension from Copper metalization should beused Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic single nozzles to for longelectromigration lifetime materials in the neodymium iron pagewidthprint heads and low resistivity boron family (NdFeB, Pigmented inks areusually NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) infeasible Operating temperaturelimited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Soft magnetic A solenoidinduced a magnetic Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05,IJ08, core electro- field in a soft magnetic core or Many ink types canbe Materials not usually present in a IJ10 magnetic yoke fabricated froma ferrous used CMOS fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, materialsuch as electroplated iron Fast operation or CoFe are required IJ17alloys such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, High efficiency High local currentsrequired or NiFe alloys. Typically, the soft Easy extension from Coppermetalization should be used magnetic material is in two parts, singlenozzles to for long electromigration lifetime which are normally heldapart by pagewidth print heads and low resistivity a spring. When thesolenoid is Electroplating is required actuated, the two parts attract,High saturation flux density is displacing the ink. required (2.0-2.1 Tis achievable with CoNiFe [1]) Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on a Lowpower consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, IJ13,Lorenz force current carrying wire in a Many ink types can be Typically,only a quarter of the IJ16 magnetic field is utilized. used solenoidlength provides force in a This allows the magnetic field to Fastoperation useful direction be supplied externally to the print Highefficiency High local currents required head, for example with rareearth Easy extension from Copper metalization should be used permanentmagnets. single nozzles to for long electromigration lifetime Only thecurrent carrying wire pagewidth print heads and low resistivity need befabricated on the print- Pigmented inks are usually head, simplifyingmaterials infeasible requirements. Magneto- The actuator uses the giantMany ink types can be Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck, U.S.Pat. No. striction magnetostrictive effect of used Unusual materialssuch as Terfenol- 4,032,929 materials such as Terfenol-D (an Fastoperation D are required IJ25 alloy of terbium, dysprosium and Easyextension from High local currents required iron developed at the Navalsingle nozzles to Copper metalization should be used OrdnanceLaboratory, hence Ter- pagewidth print heads for long electromigrationlifetime Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the High force is available andlow resistivity actuator should be pre-stressed to Pre-stressing may berequired approx. 8 MPa. Surface Ink under positive pressure is held Lowpower consumption Requires supplementary force to Silverbrook, EPtension in a nozzle by surface tension. Simple construction effect dropseparation 0771 658 A2 and reduction The surface tension of the ink isNo unusual materials Requires special ink surfactants related patentreduced below the bubble required in fabrication Speed may be limited bysurfactant applications threshold, causing the ink to High efficiencyproperties egress from the nozzle. Easy extension from single nozzles topagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity is locally Simpleconstruction Requires supplementary force to Silverbrook, EP reductionreduced to select which drops are No unusual materials effect dropseparation 0771 658 A2 and to be ejected. A viscosity required infabrication Requires special ink viscosity related patent reduction canbe achieved Easy extension from properties applications electrothermallywith most inks, single nozzles to High speed is difficult to achieve butspecial inks can be engineered pagewidth print heads Requiresoscillating ink pressure for a 100:1 viscosity reduction. A hightemperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic Anacoustic wave is generated Can operate without a Complex drive circuitry1993 Hadimioglu et and focussed upon the drop nozzle plate Complexfabrication al, EUP 550,192 ejection region. Low efficiency 1993 Elrodet al, Poor control of drop position EUP 572,220 Poor control of dropvolume Thermoelastic An actuator which relies upon Low power consumptionEfficient aqueous operation requires IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, bend differentialthermal expansion Many ink types can be a thermal insulator on the hotside IJ18 actuator upon Joule heating is used. used Corrosion preventioncan be IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, Simple planar fabrication difficult IJ22 Smallchip area required Pigmented inks may be infeasible, IJ23, IJ24, IJ27,for each actuator as pigment particles may jam the IJ28 Fast operationbend actuator IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, High efficiency IJ32 CMOS compatibleIJ33, IJ34, IJ35, voltages and currents IJ36 Standard MEMS IJ37, IJ38,IJ39, processes can be used IJ40 Easy extension from IJ41 single nozzlesto pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with a very high High forcecan be Requires special material (e.g. IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, thermoelasticcoefficient of thermal expansion generated PTFE) IJ20 actuator (CTE)such as PTFE is a candidate for Requires a PTFE deposition IJ21, IJ22,IJ23, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is low dielectric constant process,which is not yet standard in IJ24 used. As high CTE materials areinsulation in ULSI ULSI fabs IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, usually non-conductive, aheater Very low power PTFE deposition cannot be IJ30 fabricated from aconductive consumption followed with high temperature IJ31, IJ42, IJ43,material is incorporated. A 50 μm Many ink types can be (above 350° C.)processing IJ44 long PTFE bend actuator with used Pigmented inks may beinfeasible, polysilicon heater and 15 mW Simple planar fabrication aspigment particles may jam the power input can provide 180 μN Small chiparea required bend actuator force and 10 μm deflection. for eachactuator Actuator motions include: Fast operation 1) Bend Highefficiency 2) Push CMOS compatible 3) Buckle voltages and currents 4)Rotate Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print headsConductive A polymer with a high coefficient High force can be Requiresspecial materials IJ24 polymer of thermal expansion (such as generateddevelopment (High CTE conductive thermoelastic PTFE) is doped withconducting Very low power polymer) actuator substances to increase itsconsumption Requires a PTFE deposition conductivity to about 3 orders ofMany ink types can be process, which is not yet standard in magnitudebelow that of copper. used ULSI fabs The conducting polymer expandsSimple planar fabrication PTFE deposition cannot be when resistivelyheated. Small chip area required followed with high temperature Examplesof conducting dopants for each actuator (above 350° C.) processinginclude: Fast operation Evaporation and CVD deposition 1) Carbonnanotubes High efficiency techniques cannot be used 2) Metal fibers CMOScompatible Pigmented inks may be infeasible, 3) Conductive polymers suchas voltages and currents as pigment particles may jam the dopedpolythiophene Easy extension from bend actuator 4) Carbon granulessingle nozzles to pagewidth print heads Shape A shape memory alloy suchas High force is available Fatigue limits maximum number of IJ26 memoryalloy TiNi (also known as Nitinol - (stresses of hundreds of cyclesNickel Titanium alloy developed MPa) Low strain (1%) is required to atthe Naval Ordnance Large strain is available extend fatigue resistanceLaboratory) is thermally switched (more than 3%) Cycle rate limited byheat removal between its weak martensitic state High corrosionresistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi) and its high stiffnessaustenic Simple construction The latent heat of transformation state.The shape of the actuator in Easy extension from must be provided itsmartensitic state is deformed single nozzles to High current operationrelative to the austenic shape. The pagewidth print heads Requirespre-stressing to distort the shape change causes ejection of a Lowvoltage operation martensitic state drop. Linear Linear magneticactuators include Linear Magnetic Requires unusual semiconductor IJ12Magnetic the Linear Induction Actuator actuators can be materials suchas soft magnetic Actuator (LIA), Linear Permanent Magnet constructedwith high alloys (e.g. CoNiFe [1]) Synchronous Actuator (LPMSA), thrust,long travel, and Some varieties also require Linear ReluctanceSynchronous high efficiency using permanent magnetic materials suchActuator (LRSA), Linear planar semiconductor as Neodymium iron boron(NdFeB) Switched Reluctance Actuator fabrication techniques Requirescomplex multi-phase drive (LSRA), and the Linear Stepper Long actuatortravel is circuitry Actuator (LSA). available High current operationMedium force is available Low voltage operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Actuator This is the simplest mode of Simpleoperation Drop repetition rate is usually Thermal inkjet directlyoperation: the actuator directly No external fields limited to less than10 KHz. Piezoelectric inkjet pushes ink supplies sufficient kineticenergy required However, this is not fundamental to IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, toexpel the drop. The drop must Satellite drops can be the method, but isrelated to the IJ04 have a sufficient velocity to avoided if dropvelocity is refill method normally used IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, overcome thesurface tension. less than 4 m/s All of the drop kinetic energy mustIJ09 Can be efficient, be provided by the actuator IJ11, IJ12, IJ14,depending upon the Satellite drops usually form if drop IJ16 actuatorused velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 IJ25, IJ26,IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38,IJ39, IJ40 IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be printed areVery simple print head Requires close proximity between Silverbrook, EPselected by some manner (e.g. fabrication can be used the print head andthe print media or 0771 658 A2 and thermally induced surface tension Thedrop selection means transfer roller related patent reduction ofpressurized ink). does not need to provide May require two print headsapplications Selected drops are separated from the energy required toprinting alternate rows of the image the ink in the nozzle by contactseparate the drop from the Monolithic color print heads are with theprint medium or a nozzle difficult transfer roller. Electrostatic Thedrops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires very highelectrostatic Silverbrook, EP pull on ink selected by some manner (e.g.fabrication can be used field 0771 658 A2 and thermally induced surfacetension The drop selection means Electrostatic field for small nozzlerelated patent reduction of pressurized ink). does not need to providesizes is above air breakdown applications Selected drops are separatedfrom the energy required to Electrostatic field may attract dustTone-Jet the ink in the nozzle by a strong separate the drop from theelectric field. nozzle Magnetic The drops to be printed are Very simpleprint head Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP pull selected by somemanner (e.g. fabrication can be used Ink colors other than black are0771 658 A2 and on ink thermally induced surface tension The dropselection means difficult related patent reduction of pressurized ink).does not need to provide Requires very high magnetic fields applicationsSelected drops are separated from the energy required to the ink in thenozzle by a strong separate the drop from the magnetic field acting onthe nozzle magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a shutter to Highspeed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 block inkflow to the nozzle. The operation can be achieved Requires ink pressuremodulator ink pressure is pulsed at a due to reduced refill timeFriction and wear must be multiple of the drop ejection Drop timing canbe very considered frequency. accurate Stiction is possible The actuatorenergy can be very low Shuttered The actuator moves a shutter toActuators with small Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, grillblock ink flow through a grill to travel can be used Requires inkpressure modulator IJ19 the nozzle. The shutter movement Actuators withsmall Friction and wear must be need only be equal to the width of forcecan be used considered the grill holes. High speed (>50 KHz) Stiction ispossible operation can be achieved Pulsed A pulsed magnetic fieldattracts Extremely low energy Requires an external pulsed IJ10 magnetican ‘ink pusher’ at the drop operation is possible magnetic field pullejection frequency. An actuator No heat dissipation Requires specialmaterials for both on ink controls a catch, which prevents problems theactuator and the ink pusher pusher the ink pusher from moving whenComplex construction a drop is not to be ejected.

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary MechanismDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directlyfires the ink Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must beMost inkjets, drop, and there is no external field Simplicity ofoperation supplied by individual nozzle including or other mechanismrequired. Small physical size actuator piezoelectric and thermal bubble.IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating Theink pressure oscillates, Oscillating ink pressure Requires external inkpressure Silverbrook, EP ink pressure providing much of the drop canprovide a refill pulse, oscillator 0771 658 A2 and (including ejectionenergy. The actuator allowing higher operating Ink pressure phase andamplitude related patent acoustic selects which drops are to be firedspeed must be carefully controlled applications stimulation) byselectively blocking or The actuators may Acoustic reflections in theink IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, enabling nozzles. The ink operate with much lowerchamber must be designed for IJ17 pressure oscillation may be energyIJ18, IJ19, IJ21 achieved by vibrating the print Acoustic lenses can behead, or preferably by an actuator used to focus the sound in the inksupply. on the nozzles Media The print head is placed in close Low powerPrecision assembly required Silverbrook, EP proximity proximity to theprint medium. High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems 0771 658 A2and Selected drops protrude from the Simple print head Cannot print onrough substrates related patent print head further than unselectedconstruction applications drops, and contact the print medium. The dropsoaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. TransferDrops are printed to a transfer High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EProller roller instead of straight to the Wide range of print Expensive0771 658 A2 and print medium. A transfer roller substrates can be usedComplex construction related patent can also be used for proximity Inkcan be dried on the applications drop separation. transfer rollerTektronix hot melt piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ seriesElectrostatic An electric field is used to Low power Field strengthrequired for Silverbrook, EP accelerate selected drops towards Simpleprint head separation of small drops is near or 0771 658 A2 and theprint medium. construction above air breakdown related patentapplications Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is used to Low powerRequires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP magnetic accelerate selected dropsof Simple print head Requires strong magnetic field 0771 658 A2 andfield magnetic ink towards the print construction related patent medium.applications Cross The print head is placed in a Does not requireRequires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 magnetic constant magnetic field.The magnetic materials to be Current densities may be high, field Lorenzforce in a current carrying integrated in the print resulting inelectromigration wire is used to move the actuator. head manufacturingproblems process Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to Very lowpower Complex print head construction IJ10 magnetic cyclically attract apaddle, which operation is possible Magnetic materials required in printfield pushes on the ink. A small Small print head size head actuatormoves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplificationDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuatormechanical Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have ThermalBubble amplification is used. The insufficient travel, or insufficientInkjet actuator directly drives the drop force, to efficiently drive thedrop IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, ejection process. ejection process IJ07 IJ16,IJ25, IJ26 Differential An actuator material expands Provides greatertravel in High stresses are involved Piezoelectric expansion bend moreon one side than on the a reduced print head area Care must be takenthat the IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 actuator other. The expansion may be Thebend actuator materials do not delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, thermal,piezoelectric, converts a high force low Residual bend resulting fromhigh IJ42, magnetostrictive, or other travel actuator temperature orhigh stress during IJ43, IJ44 mechanism. mechanism to high travel,formation lower force mechanism. Transient bend A trilayer bend actuatorwhere the Very good temperature High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41actuator two outside layers are identical. stability Care must be takenthat the This cancels bend due to ambient High speed, as a new materialsdo not delaminate temperature and residual stress. drop can be firedbefore The actuator only responds to heat dissipates transient heatingof one side or the Cancels residual stress of other. formation Actuatorstack A series of thin actuators are Increased travel Increasedfabrication complexity Some piezoelectric stacked. This can beappropriate Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short inkjets where actuators require high circuits due to pinholes IJ04 electricfield strength, such as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators.Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are Increases the force Actuatorforces may not add IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, actuators used simultaneously tomove the available from an actuator linearly, reducing efficiency IJ20ink. Each actuator need provide Multiple actuators can be IJ22, IJ28,IJ42, only a portion of the force positioned to control ink IJ43required. flow accurately Linear Spring A linear spring is used toMatches low travel Requires print head area for the IJ15 transform amotion with small actuator with higher spring travel and high force intoa longer travel requirements travel, lower force motion. Non-contactmethod of motion transformation Reverse The actuator loads a spring.When Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 springthe actuator is turned off, the High stress in the spring springreleases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator tomake it compatible with the force/time requirements of the dropejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled to Increases travel Generallyrestricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, actuator provide greater travelin a reduced Reduces chip area implementations due to extreme IJ35 chiparea. Planar implementations fabrication difficulty in other arerelatively easy to orientations. fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuatorhas a small Simple means of Care must be taken not to exceed IJ10, IJ19,IJ33 actuator region near the fixture point, increasing travel of a theelastic limit in the flexure area which flexes much more readily bendactuator Stress distribution is very uneven than the remainder of theactuator. Difficult to accurately model with The actuator flexing iseffectively finite element analysis converted from an even coiling to anangular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip. GearsGears can be used to increase Low force, low travel Moving parts arerequired IJ13 travel at the expense of duration. actuators can be usedSeveral actuator cycles are required Circular gears, rack and pinion,Can be fabricated using More complex drive electronics ratchets, andother gearing standard surface MEMS Complex construction methods can beused. processes Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch Theactuator controls a small Very low actuator energy Complex constructionIJ10 catch. The catch either enables or Very small actuator sizeRequires external force disables movement of an ink Unsuitable forpigmented inks pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle plateA buckle plate can be used to Very fast movement Must stay withinelastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, “An change a slow actuator into afast achievable materials for long device life Ink-jet Head ...”,motion. It can also convert a high High stresses involved Proc. IEEEMEMS, force, low travel actuator into a Generally high power requirementFebruary 1996, pp 418-423. high travel, medium force motion. IJ18, IJ27Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can Linearizes the magnetic Complexconstruction IJ14 magnetic increase travel at the expense offorce/distance curve pole force. Lever A lever and fulcrum is used toMatches low travel High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37transform a motion with small actuator with higher travel and high forceinto a travel requirements motion with longer travel and Fulcrum areahas no lower force. The lever can also linear movement, and can reversethe direction of travel. be used for a fluid seal Rotary impeller Theactuator is connected to a High mechanical Complex construction IJ28rotary impeller. A small angular advantage Unsuitable for pigmented inksdeflection of the actuator results The ratio of force to in a rotationof the impeller vanes, travel of the actuator can which push the inkagainst be matched to the nozzle stationary vanes and out of therequirements by varying nozzle. the number of impeller vanes Acousticlens A refractive or diffractive (e.g. No moving parts Large arearequired 1993 Hadimioglu et zone plate) acoustic lens is used to Onlyrelevant for acoustic ink jets al, EUP 550,192 concentrate sound waves.1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Sharp conductive A sharp point is used toSimple construction Difficult to fabricate using standard Tone-jet pointconcentrate an electrostatic field. VLSI processes for a surfaceejecting ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages DisadvantagesExamples Volume The volume of the actuator Simple construction in Highenergy is typically required to Hewlett-Packard expansion changes,pushing the ink in all the case of thermal ink jet achieve volumeexpansion. This Thermal Inkjet directions. leads to thermal stress,cavitation, Canon Bubblejet and kogation in thermal ink jetimplementations Linear, The actuator moves in a direction Efficientcoupling to ink High fabrication complexity may be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04,normal to normal to the print head surface. drops ejected normal torequired to achieve perpendicular IJ07 chip surface The nozzle istypically in the line the surface motion IJ11, IJ14 of movement. Linear,parallel The actuator moves parallel to the Suitable for planarFabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, to print head surface. Dropejection fabrication Friction IJ33, chip surface may still be normal tothe surface. Stiction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Membrane An actuator with a highforce but The effective area of the Fabrication complexity 1982 HowkinsU.S. Pat. No. push small area is used to push a stiff actuator becomesthe Actuator size 4,459,601 membrane that is in contact with membranearea Difficulty of integration in a VLSI the ink. process Rotary Theactuator causes the rotation of Rotary levers may be Device complexityIJ05, IJ08, IJ13, some element, such a grill or used to increase travelMay have friction at a pivot point IJ28 impeller Small chip arearequirements Bend The actuator bends when A very small change inRequires the actuator to be made 1970 Kyser et al energized. This may bedue to dimensions can be from at least two distinct layers, or U.S. Pat.No. 3,946,398 differential thermal expansion, converted to a large tohave a thermal difference across 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. piezoelectricexpansion, motion. the actuator 3,747,120 magnetostriction, or otherform of IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, relative dimensional change. IJ19 IJ23, IJ24,IJ25, IJ29 IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivelsaround a Allows operation where Inefficient coupling to the ink IJ06central pivot. This motion is the net linear force on the motionsuitable where there are opposite paddle is zero forces applied toopposite sides of Small chip area the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force.requirements Straighten The actuator is normally bent, and Can be usedwith shape Requires careful balance of stresses IJ26, IJ32 straightenswhen energized. memory alloys where the to ensure that the quiescentbend is austenic phase is planar accurate Double bend The actuator bendsin one One actuator can be used Difficult to make the drops ejectedIJ36, IJ37, IJ38 direction when one element is to power two nozzles. byboth bend directions identical. energized, and bends the other Reducedchip size. A small efficiency loss compared to way when another elementis Not sensitive to ambient equivalent single bend actuators. energized.temperature Shear Energizing the actuator causes a Can increase theeffective Not readily applicable to other 1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No.shear motion in the actuator travel of piezoelectric actuator mechanisms4,584,590 material. actuators Radial The actuator squeezes an inkRelatively easy to High force required 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.constriction reservoir, forcing ink from a fabricate single nozzlesInefficient 3,683,212 constricted nozzle. from glass tubing as Difficultto integrate with VLSI macroscopic structures processes Coil/uncoil Acoiled actuator uncoils or coils Easy to fabricate as a Difficult tofabricate for non-planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, more tightly. The motion ofthe planar VLSI process devices IJ35 free end of the actuator ejects theSmall area required, Poor out-of-plane stiffness ink. therefore low costBow The actuator bows (or buckles) in Can increase the speed of Maximumtravel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 the middle when energized. travelHigh force required Mechanically rigid Push-Pull Two actuators control ashutter. The structure is pinned at Not readily suitable for inkjetsIJ18 One actuator pulls the shutter, and both ends, so has a high whichdirectly push the ink the other pushes it. out-of-plane rigidity Curlinwards A set of actuators curl inwards to Good fluid flow to the Designcomplexity IJ20, IJ42 reduce the volume of ink that they region behindthe actuator enclose. increases efficiency Curl A set of actuators curloutwards, Relatively simple Relatively large chip area IJ43 outwardspressurizing ink in a chamber construction surrounding the actuators,and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanesenclose a volume High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 ofink. These simultaneously Small chip area Not suitable for pigmentedinks rotate, reducing the volume between the vanes. Acoustic Theactuator vibrates at a high The actuator can be Large area required forefficient 1993 Hadimioglu et vibration frequency. physically distantfrom operation at useful frequencies al, EUP 550,192 the ink Acousticcoupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, Complex drive circuitry EUP572,220 Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jetdesigns the No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are requiredSilverbrook, EP actuator does not move. to eliminate moving parts 0771658 A2 and related patent applications Tone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is energized, itFabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet tension typicallyreturns rapidly to its Operational simplicity Surface tension forcerelatively Piezoelectric inkjet normal position. This rapid return smallcompared to actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 sucks in air through thenozzle Long refill time usually dominates IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 opening.The ink surface tension the total repetition rate at the nozzle thenexerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. ShutteredInk to the nozzle chamber is High speed Requires common ink pressureIJ08, IJ13, IJ15, oscillating provided at a pressure that Low actuatorenergy, as oscillator IJ17 ink pressure oscillates at twice the drop theactuator need only May not be suitable for pigmented IJ18, IJ19, IJ21ejection frequency. When a drop open or close the shutter, inks is to beejected, the shutter is instead of ejecting the ink opened for 3 halfcycles: drop drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refill Afterthe main actuator has High speed, as the nozzle Requires two independentactuators IJ09 actuator ejected a drop a second (refill) is activelyrefilled per nozzle actuator is energized. The refill actuator pushesink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, toprevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink The inkis held a slight positive High refill rate, therefore Surface spill mustbe prevented Silverbrook, EP pressure pressure. After the ink drop is ahigh drop repetition rate Highly hydrophobic print head 0771 658 A2 andejected, the nozzle chamber fills is possible surfaces are requiredrelated patent quickly as surface tension and ink applications pressureboth operate to refill the Alternative for: nozzle. IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back- flowrestriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Longinlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restrictsrefill rate Thermal inkjet channel chamber is made long and Operationalsimplicity May result in a relatively large chip Piezoelectric inkjetrelatively narrow, relying on Reduces crosstalk area IJ42, IJ43 viscousdrag to reduce inlet back- Only partially effective flow. Positive inkThe ink is under a positive Drop selection and Requires a method (suchas a nozzle Silverbrook, EP pressure pressure, so that in the quiescentseparation forces can be rim or effective hydrophobizing, or 0771 658 A2and state some of the ink drop already reduced both) to prevent floodingof the related patent protrudes from the nozzle. Fast refill timeejection surface of the print head. applications This reduces thepressure in the Possible operation nozzle chamber which is required ofthe following: to eject a certain volume of ink. IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12The reduction in chamber IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, pressure results in areduction in IJ22, ink pushed out through the inlet. IJ23-IJ34,IJ36-IJ41 IJ44 Baffle One or more baffles are placed in The refill rateis not as Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet the inlet ink flow. Whenthe restricted as the long inlet May increase fabrication Tektronixactuator is energized, the rapid ink method. complexity (e.g. Tektronixhot melt piezoelectric ink jet movement creates eddies which Reducescrosstalk Piezoelectric print heads). restrict the flow through theinlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result ineddies. Flexible flap In this method recently disclosed Significantlyreduces Not applicable to most inkjet Canon restricts inlet by Canon,the expanding actuator back-flow for edge- configurations (bubble)pushes on a flexible flap shooter thermal ink jet Increased fabricationcomplexity that restricts the inlet. devices Inelastic deformation ofpolymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter islocated between the ink Additional advantage of Restricts refill rateIJ04, IJ12, IJ24, inlet and the nozzle chamber. The ink filtration Mayresult in complex construction IJ27 filter has a multitude of small Inkfilter may be IJ29, IJ30 holes or slots, restricting ink flow.fabricated with no The filter also removes particles additional processsteps which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel tothe nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44compared to chamber has a substantially May result in a relatively largechip nozzle smaller cross section than that of area the nozzle,resulting in easier ink Only partially effective egress out of thenozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuatorcontrols the Increases speed of the Requires separate refill actuatorand IJ09 position of a shutter, closing off ink-jet print head drivecircuit the ink inlet when the main operation actuator is energized. Theinlet is The method avoids the problem of Back-flow problem is Requirescareful design to minimize IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, located inlet back-flow byarranging the eliminated the negative pressure behind the IJ06 behindthe ink-pushing surface of the paddle IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, ink-pushingactuator between the inlet and the IJ14 surface nozzle. IJ16, IJ22,IJ23, IJ25 IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 IJ40, IJ41 Partof the The actuator and a wall of the ink Significant reductions inSmall increase in fabrication IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, actuator chamber arearranged so that the back-flow can be complexity IJ38 moves to motion ofthe actuator closes off achieved shut off the the inlet. Compact designspossible inlet Nozzle In some configurations of ink jet, Ink back-flowproblem is None related to ink back-flow on Silverbrook, EP actuatordoes there is no expansion or eliminated actuation 0771 658 A2 and notresult in movement of an actuator which related patent ink may cause inkback-flow through applications back-flow the inlet. Valve-jet Tone-jetIJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Normal All of the nozzles are fired No addedcomplexity on May not be sufficient to displace Most ink jet nozzlefiring periodically, before the ink has a the print head dried inksystems chance to dry. When not in use IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 the nozzlesare sealed (capped) IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, against air. IJ22 The nozzlefiring is usually IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45 performed during a specialclearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station.Extra power In systems which heat the ink, but Can be highly effectiveif Requires higher drive voltage for Silverbrook, EP to ink heater donot boil it under normal the heater is adjacent to clearing 0771 658 A2and situations, nozzle clearing can be the nozzle May require largerdrive transistors related patent achieved by over-powering theapplications heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator isfired in rapid Does not require extra Effectiveness dependssubstantially May be used with: succession succession. In some drivecircuits on the print upon the configuration of the inkjet IJ01-IJ07,IJ09-IJ11 of actuator configurations, this may cause head nozzle IJ14,IJ16, IJ20, pulses heat build-up at the nozzle which Can be readilycontrolled IJ22 boils the ink, clearing the nozzle. and initiated bydigital IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34 In other situations, it may cause logicIJ36-IJ45 sufficient vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles. Extra powerWhere an actuator is not normally A simple solution where Not suitablewhere there is a hard May be used with: to ink driven to the limit ofits motion, applicable limit to actuator movement IJ03, IJ09, IJ16,pushing nozzle clearing may be assisted IJ20 actuator by providing anenhanced drive IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, signal to the actuator. IJ27 IJ29,IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic Anultrasonic wave is applied to A high nozzle clearing High implementationcost if system IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, resonance the ink chamber. This wave isof capability can be does not already include an acoustic IJ17 anappropriate amplitude and achieved actuator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 frequencyto cause sufficient force May be implemented at at the nozzle to clearblockages. very low cost in systems This is easiest to achieve if thewhich already include ultrasonic wave is at a resonant acousticactuators frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle A microfabricated plate ispushed Can clear severely Accurate mechanical alignment is Silverbrook,EP clearing against the nozzles. The plate has clogged nozzles required0771 658 A2 and plate a post for every nozzle. The array Moving partsare required related patent of posts There is risk of damage to theapplications nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure Thepressure of the ink is May be effective where Requires pressure pump orother May be used with pulse temporarily increased so that ink othermethods cannot be pressure actuator all IJ series ink jets streams fromall of the nozzles. used Expensive This may be used in conjunctionWasteful of ink with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible ‘blade’is wiped across Effective for planar print Difficult to use if printhead surface Many ink jet wiper the print head surface. The blade headsurfaces is non-planar or very fragile systems is usually fabricatedfrom a Low cost Requires mechanical parts flexible polymer, e.g. rubberor Blade can wear out in high volume synthetic elastomer. print systemsSeparate ink A separate heater is provided at Can be effective whereFabrication complexity Can be used with boiling the nozzle although thenormal other nozzle clearing many IJ series ink heater drop e-ectionmechanism does methods cannot be used jets not require it. The heatersdo not Can be implemented at no require individual drive circuits,additional cost in some as many nozzles can be cleared inkjetconfigurations simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction DescriptionAdvantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate isseparately Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures areHewlett Packard nickel fabricated from electroformed required to bondnozzle plate Thermal Inkjet nickel, and bonded to the print Minimumthickness constraints head chip. Differential thermal expansion Laserablated or Individual nozzle holes are No masks required Each hole mustbe individually Canon Bubblejet drilled polymer ablated by an intense UVlaser in Can be quite fast formed 1988 Sercel et al., a nozzle plate,which is typically a Some control over nozzle Special equipment requiredSPIE, Vol. 998 polymer such as polyimide or profile is possible Slowwhere there are many Excimer Beam polysulphone Equipment required isthousands of nozzles per print head Applications, pp. relatively lowcost May produce thin burrs at exit holes 76-83 1993 Watanabe et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate is Highaccuracy is Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE machined micromachinedfrom single attainable High cost Transactions on crystal silicon, andbonded to the Requires precision alignment Electron Devices, print headwafer. Nozzles may be clogged by Vol. ED-25, No. 10, adhesive 1978, pp1185-1195 Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fineglass capillaries are drawn No expensive equipment Very small nozzlesizes are difficult 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. capillaries from glasstubing. This method required to form 3,683,212 has been used for makingSimple to make single Not suited for mass production individual nozzles,but is difficult nozzles to use for bulk manufacturing of print headswith thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is deposited asa High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificial layer under theSilverbrook, EP surface layer using standard VLSI Monolithic nozzleplate to form the nozzle 0771 658 A2 and micro- deposition techniques.Nozzles Low cost chamber related patent machined are etched in thenozzle plate Existing processes can be Surface may be fragile to thetouch applications using VLSI using VLSI lithography and used IJ01,IJ02, IJ04, lithographic etching. IJ11 processes IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate isa buried etch High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05,IJ06, etched stop in the wafer. Nozzle Monolithic Requires a supportwafer IJ07 through chambers are etched in the front Low cost IJ08, IJ09,IJ10, substrate of the wafer, and the wafer is No differential expansionIJ13 thinned from the back side. IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, Nozzles are thenetched in the IJ19 etch stop layer. IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 No nozzleVarious methods have been tried No nozzles to become Difficult tocontrol drop position Ricoh 1995 Sekiya plate to eliminate the nozzlesentirely, clogged accurately et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 to preventnozzle clogging. These Crosstalk problems 1993 Hadimioglu et includethermal bubble al EUP 550,192 mechanisms and acoustic lens 1993 Elrod etal mechanisms EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has a trough Reducedmanufacturing Drop firing direction is sensitive to IJ35 through which apaddle moves. complexity wicking. There is no nozzle plate. MonolithicNozzle slit The elimination of nozzle holes No nozzles to becomeDifficult to control drop position 1989 Saito et al instead of andreplacement by a slit clogged accurately U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068individual encompassing many actuator Crosstalk problems nozzlespositions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to inksurface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the surface of Simpleconstruction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet (‘edge shooter’)the chip, and ink drops are ejected No silicon etching High resolutionis difficult 1979 Endo et al GB from the chip edge. required Fast colorprinting requires one patent 2,007,162 Good heat sinking via print headper color Xerox heater-in-pit substrate 1990 Hawkins et al Mechanicallystrong U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Ease of chip handing Tone-jet Surface Inkflow is along the surface of No bulk silicon etching Maximum ink flow isseverely restricted Hewlett-Packard (‘roof shooter’) the chip, and inkdrops are ejected required TIJ 1982 Vaught et from the chip surface,normal to Silicon can make an al U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 the plane ofthe chip. effective heat sink IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, Mechanical strength IJ20IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, and High ink flowRequires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP forward ink drops areejected from the Suitable for pagewidth 0771 658 A2 and (‘up shooter’)front surface of the chip. print related patent High nozzle packingapplications density therefore low IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, manufacturing costIJ24 IJ27-IJ45 Through Ink flow is through the chip, and High ink flowRequires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, chip, reverse ink drops areejected from the rear Suitable for pagewidth Requires special handlingduring IJ06 (‘down shooter’) surface of the chip. print manufactureIJ07, IJ08, IJ09, High nozzle packing IJ10 density therefore low IJ13,IJ14, IJ15, manufacturing cost IJ16 IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 IJ26 ThroughInk flow is through the actuator, Suitable for piezoelectric Pagewidthprint heads require Epson Stylus actuator which is not fabricated aspart of print heads several thousand connections to Tektronix hot meltthe same substrate as the drive drive circuits piezoelectric inktransistors. Cannot be manufactured in standard jets CMOS fabs Complexassembly required

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous,dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow dryingMost existing contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odor Corrosiveinkjets humectant, and biocide. Bleeds on paper All IJ series ink jetsModern ink dyes have high water- May strikethrough Silverbrook, EPfastness, light fastness Cockles paper 0771 658 A2 and related patentapplications Aqueous, pigment Water based ink which typicallyEnvironmentally friendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, contains: water,pigment, No odor Corrosive IJ26 surfactant, humectant, and Reduced bleedPigment may clog nozzles IJ27, IJ30 biocide. Reduced wicking Pigment mayclog actuator Silverbrook, EP Pigments have an advantage in Reducedstrikethrough mechanisms 0771 658 A2 and reduced bleed, wicking andCockles paper related patent strikethrough. applications Piezoelectricink- jets Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl EthylMEK is a highly volatile solvent Very fast drying Odorous All IJ seriesink jets Ketone (MEK) used for industrial printing on Prints on variousFlammable difficult surfaces such as substrates such as metals aluminumcans. and plastics Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used Fast dryingSlight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2-butanol, where theprinter must operate at Operates at sub-freezing Flammable and others)temperatures below the freezing temperatures point of water. An exampleof this is Reduced paper cockle in-camera consumer Low cost photographicprinting. Phase change The ink is solid at room No drying time-ink Highviscosity Tektronix hot melt (hot melt) temperature, and is melted inthe instantly freezes on the Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’piezoelectric ink print head before jetting. Hot melt print medium feeljets inks are usually wax based, with a Almost any print medium Printedpages may ‘block’ 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No. melting point around 80° C..After can be used Ink temperature may be above the 4,820,346 jetting theink freezes almost No paper cockle occurs curie point of permanentmagnets All IJ series ink jets instantly upon contacting the print Nowicking occurs Ink heaters consume power medium or a transfer roller. Nobleed occurs Long warm-up time No strikethrough occurs Oil Oil basedinks are extensively High solubility medium High viscosity: this is asignificant All IJ series ink jets used in offset printing. They havefor some dyes limitation for use in inkjets, which advantages inimproved Does not cockle paper usually require a low viscosity.characteristics on paper Does not wick through Some short chain andmulti- (especially no wicking or cockle). paper branched oils have asufficiently Oil soluble dies and pigments are low viscosity. required.Slow drying Microemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self Stops inkbleed Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets formingemulsion of oil, water, High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher thanwater and surfactant. The characteristic Water, oil, and based ink dropsize is less than 100 nm, and amphiphilic soluble dies High surfactantconcentration is determined by the preferred can be used required(around 5%) curvature of the surfactant. Can stabilize pigmentsuspensions

Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed tofacilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing anddata distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can beincluded in printer devices incorporated as part of the presentinvention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to theseink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. Theserial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications arealso provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PO8066 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,652Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ01) PO8072 Jul. 17, 1997 ImageCreation 6,213,588 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ02) PO8040Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,213,589 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ03) PO8071 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,231,163 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ04) PO8047 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation6,247,795 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ05) PO8035 Jul. 17,1997 Image Creation 6,394,581 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ06) PO8044 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,244,691 Method and (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ07) PO8063 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,257,704Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ08) PO8057 Jul. 17, 1997 ImageCreation 6,416,168 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ09) PO8056Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,220,694 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ10) PO8069 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,257,705 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ11) PO8049 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation6,247,794 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ12) PO8036 Jul. 17,1997 Image Creation 6,234,610 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ13) PO8048 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,793 Method and (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ14) PO8070 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,264,306Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ15) PO8067 Jul. 17, 1997 ImageCreation 6,241,342 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ16) PO8001Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,792 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ17) PO8038 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,264,307 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ18) PO8033 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation6,254,220 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ19) PO8002 Jul. 17,1997 Image Creation 6,234,611 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ20) PO8068 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,302,528 Method and (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ21) PO8062 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,283,582Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ22) PO8034 Jul. 17, 1997 ImageCreation 6,239,821 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ23) PO8039Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,338,547 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ24) PO8041 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,796 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ25) PO8004 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation09/113,122 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ26) PO8037 Jul. 17,1997 Image Creation 6,390,603 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ27) PO8043 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,362,843 Method and (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ28) PO8042 Jul. 17, 1997 Image Creation 6,293,653Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ29) PO8064 Jul. 17, 1997 ImageCreation 6,312,107 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ30) PO9389Sep. 23, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,653 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ31) PO9391 Sep. 23, 1997 Image Creation 6,234,609 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ32) PP0888 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation6,238,040 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ33) PP0891 Dec. 12,1997 Image Creation 6,188,415 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ34) PP0890 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,654 Method and (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ35) PP0873 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,209,989Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ36) PP0993 Dec. 12, 1997 ImageCreation 6,247,791 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ37) PP0890Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,336,710 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ38) PP1398 Jan. 19, 1998 An Image Creation 6,217,153 Methodand (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ39) PP2592 Mar. 25, 1998 An ImageCreation 6,416,167 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ40) PP2593Mar. 25, 1998 Image Creation 6,243,113 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJ41) PP3991 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,283,581 Method and(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ42) PP3987 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation6,247,790 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJ43) PP3985 Jun. 9,1998 Image Creation 6,260,953 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJ44) PP3983 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,267,469 Method and (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJ45)

Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductorfabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jetprinters. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in thefollowing Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated hereby cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PO7935 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture ofan 6,224,780 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM01) PO7936Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,235,212 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM02) PO7937 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,280,643 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM03) PO8061 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,284,147Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM04) PO8054 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,214,244 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM05) PO8065 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,071,750 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM06) PO8055 Jul.15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,267,905 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM07) PO8053 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,251,298 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM08) PO8078 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,258,285Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM09) PO7933 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,225,138 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM10) PO7950 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,241,904 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM11) PO7949 Jul.15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,299,786 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM12) PO8060 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 09/113,124 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM13) PO8059 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,231,773Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM14) PO8073 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,190,931 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM15) PO8076 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,248,249 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM16) PO8075 Jul.15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,290,862 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM17) PO8079 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,241,906 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM18) PO8050 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 09/113,116Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM19) PO8052 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,241,905 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM20) PO7948 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,451,216 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM21) PO7951 Jul.15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,231,772 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM22) PO8074 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,274,056 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM23) PO7941 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,290,861Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM24) PO8077 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,248,248 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM25) PO8058 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,306,671 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM26) PO8051 Jul.15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,331,258 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM27) PO8045 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,110,754 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM28) PO7952 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,294,101Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM29) PO8046 Jul. 15, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,416,679 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM30) PO8503 Aug. 11, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,264,849 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM30a) PO9390 Sep.23, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,254,793 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM31) PO9392 Sep. 23, 1997 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,235,211 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM32) PP0889 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,235,211Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM35) PP0887 Dec. 12, 1997 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,264,850 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM36) PP0882 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an6,258,284 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM37) PP0874 Dec.12, 1997 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,258,284 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM38) PP1396 Jan. 19, 1998 A Method ofManufacture of an 6,228,668 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998)(IJM39) PP2591 Mar. 25, 1998 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,180,427Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM41) PP3989 Jun. 9, 1998 AMethod of Manufacture of an 6,171,875 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IJM40) PP3990 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of Manufacture of an6,267,904 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM42) PP3986 Jun.9, 1998 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,245,247 Image Creation Apparatus(Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM43) PP3984 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of Manufacture ofan 6,245,247 Image Creation Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM44) PP3982Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of Manufacture of an 6,231,148 Image CreationApparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJM45)

Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system tothe ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to aseries of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are herebyincorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PO8003 Jul. 15, 1997 Supply Method and 6,350,023Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 Jul. 15, 1997 Supply Method and6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 Sep. 23, 1997 A Deviceand Method 09/113,101 (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)

MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductormicroelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays ofink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques aredescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Application and Number FilingDate Title Filing Date PO7943 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS01) PO8006Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 Jul.15, 1997 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 Jul. 15,1997 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 Jul. 15, 1997 Adevice (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 Jul. 15, 1997 A device(MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 Jul. 15, 1997 A device(MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 Jul. 15, 1997 A device(MEMS08) 09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 Jul. 15, 1997 A device(MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 Jul. 15, 1997 A device(MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 Sep. 23, 1997 A Device andMethod 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device(MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device andMethod 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)

IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of adisposable camera system such as those described in the followingAustralian provisional patent specifications incorporated here bycross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PP0895 Dec. 12, 1997 An Image 6,231,148 CreationMethod (Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus (IR01) PP0870 Dec. 12, 1997 ADevice and Method 09/113,106 (IR02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 Dec. 12, 1997A Device and Method 6,293,658 (IR04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 Dec. 12,1997 Image Creation 09/113,104 Method (Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus(IR05) PP0885 Dec. 12, 1997 An Image Production 6,238,033 System (IR06)(Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,312,070 Method(Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus (IR10) PP0886 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation6,238,111 Method (Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus (IR12) PP0871 Dec. 12,1997 A Device and Method 09/113,086 (IR13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 Dec.12, 1997 An Image Processing 09/113,094 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10,1998) (IR14) PP0877 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,378,970 (IR16)(Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,196,739(IR17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method09/112,774 (IR18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device andMethod 6,270,182 (IR19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 Dec. 12, 1997 A Deviceand Method 6,152,619 (IR20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 Dec. 12, 1997 ADevice and Method 09/113,092 (IR21) (Jul. 10, 1998)

DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a datadistribution system such as that described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference.The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applicationsare also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PP2370 Mar. 16, 1998 Data Processing 09/112,781Method (Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus (Dot01) PP2371 Mar. 16, 1998 DataProcessing 09/113,052 Method (Jul. 10, 1998) and Apparatus (Dot02)

Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of cameraand data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device asdescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Australian U.S. Pat./Patent Provisional Filing Application and NumberDate Title Filing Date PO7991 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/113,060 Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 6,476,863 Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073 Apparatus (ART03)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and6,322,181 Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 09/112,747 Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8014 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8025 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 09/112,750 Apparatus(ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/112,746 Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 09/112,743 Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7998 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 09/112,742 Apparatus(ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/112,741 Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 Jul. 15, 1997 MediaDevice (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 Jul. 15, 1997 MediaDevice (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 Jul. 15, 1997 MediaDevice (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 Jul. 15, 1997 MediaDevice (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 Jul. 15, 1997 MediaDevice (ART18) 09/113, 067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,431,669 Apparatus (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7989Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and 6,362,869 Apparatus (ART20)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Processing Method and6,472,052 Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 6,356,715 Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8018Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777 Apparatus (ART24)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/113,224 Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 6,366,693 Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 6,329,990 Apparatus (ART27)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and09/113,072 Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 09/112,785 Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8501 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and 6,137,500 Apparatus(ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/112,796 Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 09/113,071 Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8022 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328 Apparatus(ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8497 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/113,090 Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,431,704 Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8023Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and 09/113,222 Apparatus (ART39)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/112,786 Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,415,054 Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and 09/112,782 Apparatus (ART44)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and09/113,056 Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 09/113,059 Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8499 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and 6,486,886 Apparatus(ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing Method and6,381,361 Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 Jul. 15, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,317,192 Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7986Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and 09/113,057 Apparatus (ART51)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing Method and09/113,054 Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 Jul. 15, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 09/112,752 Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8027 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759 Apparatus(ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing Method and09/112,757 Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 Sep. 23, 1997 ImageProcessing Method and 6,357,135 Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9396Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and 09/113,107 Apparatus (ART58)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and6,271,931 Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 Sep. 23, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,353,772 Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and 6,106,147 Apparatus (ART61)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and09/112,790 Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 Sep. 23, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,304,291 Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and 09/112,788 Apparatus (ART64)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing Method and6,305,770 Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 Sep. 23, 1997 DataProcessing Method and 6,289,262 Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959Dec. 16, 1997 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68)(Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 Jan. 19, 1998 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165(Jul. 10, 1998)

1. A method of generating manipulated images with a digital camera, comprising the steps of: detecting objects within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an autofocus unit of the digital camera by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the autofocus unit as an indicator of positions of said objects; and generating a manipulated image by applying a digital image manipulating process of the processor to the detected objects.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the focus settings include a current position of a zoom motor of the digital camera.
 3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of printing the manipulated image with a printing mechanism of the digital camera.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the digital image manipulating process selectively applies techniques to the digital image utilizing the focus settings. 